Doctors refer to "tachycardia" when they usually talk about palpitations. Palpitations can have many causes. A rapid pulse is not usually life-threatening, but you should have recurring symptoms checked by a doctor.
Further information on tachycardia and which doctor treats palpitations can be found below.
Tachycardia is not that unusual. As soon as we exercise or get excited about something, our heart beats faster. 60 to 80 heartbeats per minute are normal for a healthy person and correspond to the so-called resting heart rate. When we are asleep or resting, the pulse rate can be even lower. However, as soon as we are physically active, our heart beats faster (100 to 120 beats per minute) in order to adapt to the external conditions. However, if the pulse is permanently elevated, serious illnesses may be the cause.
Not only older people suffer from palpitations - young people also struggle with these symptoms. However, if the symptoms are accompanied by
tachycardia can be life-threatening.
Tachycardia manifests itself with rapid heartbeats, which patients find extremely uncomfortable. As soon as the heart starts to race, those affected feel an inner restlessness. In this case, 100 beats are not uncommon. The heart's main task is to supply the body and organs with blood and oxygen. If the heartbeat is disturbed, there is a risk of fainting, among other things.
Tachycardia is a phenomenon that indicates a disorder of the heart. This disorder does not always have to be pathological. Tachycardia is mainly caused by exertion, excitement or stress. The symptoms occur either after physical exertion or at rest. The palpitating feeling in the chest often disappears again after a few seconds. However, as soon as the accompanying symptoms (dizziness, nausea) worsen, there may be an underlying illness.
These are usually stress-related symptoms that have little effect on your health. However, as soon as the symptoms last longer or occur more frequently, the health risk increases. From a heart rate of 100 beats per minute, doctors speak of tachycardia. Those affected often do not even perceive the symptoms as a racing heart. Rather, they feel a stumbling heartbeat or an irregular heartbeat that does not cause any further discomfort.
However, a sudden tightening of the chest, chest pain or shortness of breath indicate heart problems that you should have checked out by a specialist. In the worst-case scenario, palpitations caused by illness can be fatal if you do not have yourself examined. Heart attacks are still the most common cause of death in Germany. After all, one in four deaths is caused by a diseased heart. People in large cities are most affected in this respect.
The cause of a heart attack is usually a blockage in the arteries that supply the heart with blood @ freshidea /AdobeStock
The causes of tachycardia are extremely varied. Palpitations are often the result of stress, excitement or anxiety. However, the pounding feeling in your chest can also occur when you drink alcohol, black tea or coffee. As soon as you take these pick-me-ups before going to bed, the symptoms also occur at night (nocturnal palpitations). Palpitations are also possible after eating. Especially if you have eaten a particularly rich and fatty meal. Also
are possible causes.
Doctors refer to the irregular or rapid heartbeat as atrial fibrillation. A heart attack occurs when the coronary arteries are blocked as a result of advanced arteriosclerosis.
The most common causes of hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) are
If your heart is racing, it is best to lie down. Breathe calmly and ask a relative for help. If in doubt, call an ambulance as soon as the symptoms get worse. Quick action is particularly important in the event of an acute heart attack, for example, in order to avoid consequential damage.
As soon as the tachycardia persists over a longer period of time, you should consult a doctor to clarify the causes, especially if chest pain or fainting spells are accompanying symptoms. Cardiologists are specialists in all aspects of the heart and heart disease. The doctor will first question you thoroughly(medical history) in order to narrow down the causes. The frequency, onset and course of the symptoms are particularly important. You must also state whether the symptoms have worsened recently. To determine the exact cause of tachycardia, doctors carry out several examinations.
These include
During anexerciseECG,the heart's actions are checked while the patient is exercising @ Kzenon /AdobeStockDepending on the symptoms, the attending physician will treat the tachycardia with certain medications. In the case of severe and chronic problems, the use of a pacemaker may be indicated .
A change in lifestyle is generally recommended. Heart problems are usually caused by obesity or an unhealthy diet, which is why you should avoid nicotine, alcohol, coffee, fatty and sugary foods. Instead, eat fresh fruit and vegetables, fish or healthy oils. Linseed oil, tomatoes, oatmeal, avocados, soybeans, salmon (omega-3 fatty acids), blueberries, spinach, nuts and lentils are among the best foods in this regard because they contain healthy fats, antioxidants and fiber.
Heart palpitations are a phenomenon that many people are familiar with. Stress, obesity, thyroid disorders and stimulants usually lead to palpitations, but a rapid heartbeat can also have other causes. As tachycardia can also be fatal, those affected should have the symptoms checked by a cardiologist.
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